If a super-slim, high-quality leather iPhone case is on your wish list, the Nodus Shell case has a few perks that make it my new recommendation and go-to everyday case.
The Shell case & Micro Dock |
The Nodus Shell case is a very thin, no-frills iPhone case made from top grain vegetable tanned leather. But it gets my recommendation for those looking for a slim leather case over the many competitors because of the included magnetic mounting system. It comes with one Micro Dock, a small magnet measuring 20x20x6mm that can be used to quickly dock an iPhone using the Nodus Shell case.
The Micro Dock has an adhesive pad on the back that lets you stick it in just about any handy location. Next to an outlet to get your phone off the floor while charging, in the kitchen where you might often need to be hands-free, or your car dash are a few of the obvious examples. Nothing extra is required for iPhone other than the Shell case which has magnets built in. An extra adhesive is included in the box if you ever want to move the Micro Dock, and you can buy an extra set of two docks for $30.
The idea is that you might want to have one in all of the places mentioned above and more, allowing you to quickly dock your device when needed throughout your house, office, and elsewhere.
There are lots of solutions for stands and mounts, but I quite enjoyed using the Micro Dock. I only got to play with the one included in the box with my review unit— I tried it on the wall next to an outlet where I often charge my phone at night, and also on the dash of a car for using the device while navigating, etc. The magnets are strong enough so that there’s no concern of the device coming off the magnet, even if you continue to use the iPhone once docked. The company says it uses the “world’s strongest N52 magnets” and that it uses proper shielding to protect against any issues with magnetic interference, of which I experienced none.
I would have loved if two docks were included in the box as that would have been a sufficient amount for me personally, and the extra $30 expense seems a bit of stretch unless you really had need for docking all over the house. But the price of the package with the case isn’t much more than you’d pay for another case of similar quality without the docking feature.
And if you wanted to get creative you could easily come up with a way to make your own custom magnetic mounts where the Micro Dock doesn’t work. Or use already magnetic surfaces, like a fridge as pictured below.
The case comes in three colors– Chestnut Brown, Ebony Black, and Yellow:
I reviewed the Chestnut Brown on the left, but you can see from my photos throughout that the leather aged naturally with use (as does all leather) and became much darker in the couple of months I’ve had it.
The company says the case has a poly-carbonate core for shock absorption and there’s also a soft microfiber lining so your phone doesn’t get scratched.
Should you buy it? |
It’s a bit pricier than a comparable leather case. Compare the $75 US price tag to Apple’s very similar $40-$50 leather case. But the Nodus Shell case itself feels a bit sturdier than Apple’s and the leather has a distinctive natural look and feel you don’t get with Apple’s. Add in the Micro Dock system and the fact that the case has held up very well in recent months, and I feel fine recommending the case over Apple’s at $75.
You can buy it now for iPhone 6/6s, iPhone 6/6s Plus, and iPhone SE from Amazon and the company’s website (get 10% off with coupon code 9to5).
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Does the magnet interfere with cell reception at all?
The company says there is proper shielding to protect against that. And I didn’t experience any issues. Shouldn’t be a problem.
What about Apple Pay?
Maybe there will be an hermes editino iPhone?
Save your money and get the Apple case. It’s classier(no spider octopus on the back) and looks better imo. It also covers the top preventing scratches and ages as well if not better this case. I’m 2 months in and it’s a gorgeous mocha dark brown with faded scratches. It’s protected my phone from some sketchy drops and the nicks and scratches just fade so well. In all my years of owning iPhones I’ve never had one this nice. It’s become super supple because it’s not leather layered on top of a plastic. For 30$ less I would definitely recommend it. Also it sometimes is on sale for even less.
When the adhesive gives out, iPhone meet floor.
I have had a case since this was released for my 6s (Sept15), and I have 3 magnets one in my car one in my room for charging and one I have as a spare – NONE have “given out” and as I found trying to relocate the dock in my car its nearly impossible to force one off without careful thought.
Honestly I couldn’t recommend this more- hey do a Black version of the micro dock as well in case you want it to appear less conspicuous when not in use.
I do not work for Nodus – I just enjoy my Ebony Black case and being able to “dock” my phone in my car without a second thought, changing the position to landscape for Nav with no more effort than a twist of my wrist.
Spectre?
The logo makes me wonder when the Red Skull and the rest of Hydra will be showing up looking for me and Cap.
If you’re looking for magnetic mounting options, like the Scosche MagicMount system. Its a super thin piece that you stick to the back of the phone or tablet and still use just about any case on the market (or no case at all), and there’s a variety of mount options you can purchase. Windshield, dash, car vent, surface mount, desk, etc.